Meloni warns of AI deepfakes after fake images spread online

ROME: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday that artificial intelligence-generated fake images of her were being circulated online, warning that such material could mislead the public and be used against people who are less able to respond.

In a statement, Meloni said several fabricated images depicting her had been created using AI and presented as genuine by political opponents.

She shared one of the images, which appeared to show her sitting on a bed in her underwear. The original post carrying the image included an angry remark describing it as shameful and unworthy of an Italian prime minister.

Meloni said the incident reflected how falsehoods were increasingly being used in public attacks.

I must admit that whoever created them, at least in the attached case, has also improved me quite a bit.

she said, while adding that the episode showed how

anything at all

was now being used to target people and spread misinformation.

She said the issue extended beyond her personal case and described deepfakes as a broader threat.

The point, however, goes beyond me.

she said.

Deepfakes are a dangerous tool because they can deceive, manipulate, and strike anyone. I can defend myself. Many others cannot.

Meloni also urged internet users to verify material before accepting it as authentic or passing it on to others.

One rule should always apply: verify before believing, and think before sharing.

she said.

Earlier legal case over deepfake images

The latest warning comes as Meloni is already pursuing legal action in a separate case linked to manipulated images. Two years ago, she filed a libel suit against a man from Sardinia who is accused of creating pornographic deepfake images using her face and posting them online.

That case is still ongoing.

Meloni's remarks add to growing concern over the use of AI-generated content to mislead audiences and damage reputations. In her statement, she stressed that while she was in a position to answer such attacks, others might not be able to do so, making the spread of fabricated images a wider public concern rather than only a personal matter.

Her comments were made after fake images of her circulated online and were portrayed as real. She said the public should be cautious when encountering such content and should check whether online material is genuine before believing or sharing it.

The statement underlined both the personal and wider risks posed by deepfakes, with Meloni saying the technology could be used to deceive, manipulate and target anyone.